A large-scale redevelopment project in Downtown Jersey City could soon begin construction following preliminary approvals from the Jersey City Council. The project is referred to as the Laurel-Saddlewood Redevelopment Plan and will replace two derelict townhouse courts with market-rate and affordable housing, a new public school, community facilities, and retail space.
The property does not yet have an official address, but is bounded by Marin Boulevard and Manila Avenue to the east and west, with Second and First Streets to the north and south.
Aerial view of existing townhouse properties that will be replaced as part of the Laurel-Saddlewood Redevelopment Plan
Existing townhouse properties that will be replaced as part of the Laurel-Saddlewood Redevelopment Plan
Designed by Beyer Blinder Belle, the new mixed-use block is stepped upward from a ground-level public park, and eventually culminates in a 50-story residential tower. The residential component could comprise up to 810 rental apartments. As specified by the Jersey City Council, at least five percent of the units must be marketed as affordable homes with no greater than 120 percent area median income. In practice, this equates 41 units.
The new public school will comprise at minimum 45,000 square feet with at least 15 classrooms and a gymnasium, an auditorium, and a cafeteria.
Preliminary renderings of the Laurel-Saddlewood Redevelopment Plan – Beyer Blinder Belle
Site Map for the Laurel-Saddlewood Redevelopment Plan
Lennar Multifamily Communities, the developers responsible for the project, have also committed to various site improvements including the remediation of existing public spaces, the creation of new recreational areas, rebuilt sidewalks, and infrastructure upgrades. This includes an expansion of Philippine Plaza, a public space at the center of the block, to at least 11,700 square feet.
At this phase of development, it is unclear when the project might be completed.
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Jersey city showing how it’s done
It looks nice and it has a good location so I like it.
Get rid of the ten story building; make the fifty story building taller and add green space and it could be both a warmer and grander space- think Rockefeller Center.
5% is not enough allocated for affordable housing. 41 units? Ridiculous. It’s insulting for them to think that is an acceptable proposal. In NYC, which is so very close, they require a much higher %. We should model their requirements, as not only is Jersey City a desirable place to live, the culture, community, and opportunities rival that of Manhattan, and you get more space. Seriously, this should be pushed to 25% at the least. Especially since I know they are getting a tax break for it.
Do you want developers to continue to build in Jersey City, or no? 25% minimum is ridiculous and no developer in their right mind would waste their time. If New York would stop putting so many restrictions on buildings, then we would see a boom and rent would fall.